Alison Brie And Dave Franco Hit With $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit Over "Together"

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Alison Brie and Dave Franco Hit with $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit Over "Together"

Hollywood power couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco are facing a significant legal battle. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against the actors, alleging their 2021 film, "Together," unlawfully copied elements from an earlier screenplay. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, raising questions about the complexities of intellectual property rights in filmmaking.

The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name/Location], claims that "Together," directed by Nicole Holofcener and starring Brie and Franco as a couple navigating a pandemic lockdown, bears striking similarities to an unpublished screenplay titled "[Screenplay Title]". The plaintiff, [Plaintiff's Name/Company], alleges substantial similarities in plot points, character development, and dialogue, arguing that these similarities constitute copyright infringement.

Key Allegations of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit details several specific instances where the plaintiff believes "Together" infringes upon their intellectual property. These include:

• Similar Premise: Both the plaintiff's screenplay and "Together" center around a couple struggling with relationship issues during a period of enforced isolation.
• Parallel Character Arcs: The plaintiff claims their characters undergo similar emotional journeys and face comparable conflicts as Brie and Franco's characters in the film.
• Dialogue Overlaps: The lawsuit points to instances of allegedly copied dialogue, highlighting phrases and scenes that are strikingly similar in both works.

The plaintiff seeks $17 million in damages, representing the alleged profits generated from the film's distribution and streaming rights. This hefty sum underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential financial ramifications for Brie, Franco, and any involved production companies.

The Complexities of Copyright in Filmmaking

This lawsuit shines a light on the often-murky waters of copyright in the film industry. Determining whether a film infringes upon the copyright of another work requires a careful examination of various factors, including:

• Substantial Similarity: The court will need to ascertain whether the similarities between the two works are substantial enough to constitute infringement. This involves considering both the overall plot and individual elements.
• Access: The plaintiff must prove that the defendants had access to their screenplay. This could involve demonstrating that the screenplay was submitted to production companies or individuals involved in "Together".
• Independent Creation: The defendants could argue that the similarities are coincidental, resulting from independent creation. This defense requires demonstrating that the similarities arose without any knowledge of the plaintiff's work.

The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for future filmmakers, emphasizing the crucial need for thorough legal counsel and careful consideration of intellectual property rights throughout the development and production process.

What Happens Next?

The legal battle is expected to be lengthy and complex. Both sides will likely engage in extensive discovery, exchanging documents and evidence related to the creation and development of both screenplays. Expert witnesses may be called upon to analyze the similarities between the works and offer opinions on the question of copyright infringement. The case could ultimately be settled out of court, or it could proceed to trial, with a judge or jury deciding the fate of the $17 million claim.

This developing story will be closely followed by legal professionals and film enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned for updates as this high-profile copyright lawsuit unfolds. We will continue to provide coverage as more information becomes available.